2000 Tobin James, Silver Reserve, Paso Robles, Merlot ($38 but came with Fall '03 club shipment). Alcohol level 14.4%. We had this one tonight instead of the Cab mentioned on the Valentine tread. Drank it with the afore mentioned rib steaks, green beans, and rolls. This is definitely not your usual plums and oak Merlot. Additional dimensions are provided by, among other things, the terroir of a variety of well established Paso vineyards.

Gives rich ripe black raspberries and the proverbial plums on the nose and upfront. A hugely complex elixer courses thu the middle, including another bundle of ripe fruit and chewy tannin. Cannot remember such a lasting finish on a domestic Merlot.

Matched perfectly with the food, which is tough for a wine of this caliber. Hope you other club members enjoyed this one too.